There is no doubt that every pet owner wants the best for their pet, yet many people still don’t know how to properly care for their pet. Fortunately, there are ways to extend their lives and adopt a healthy lifestyle for them, so that they feel better in the long run. From feeding them good food to stimulating their mind, here are the tips on how to make your dogs and cats happier.
Provides Healthy Foods
Extra weight is the last thing you want your pets to have because diseases like hypertension and arthritis are on their way. When this happens, there’s a high possibility you’ll have to bring them in for regular check-ups, which results in expensive vet expenses and a short lifespan. Therefore, it is critical to provide them with a nutritious diet.
Provide them with high-quality dog and cat food that contains healthy ingredients in sufficient quantities. A general rule of thumb is that salmon, turkey, or chicken are top ingredients that provide nutritional protein. You should also avoid foods high in fillers, such as wheat, corn, and soy. Also, make sure they get enough fresh water every day, no more than 10% of their daily calories.
If you’re a first-time pet owner, you can consult with a veterinarian, who will gladly prescribe the food that your pet needs. A more specific diet will be recommended if your pet has been diagnosed with any health issues to meet their dietary needs.
Exercise Regularly
Now that they eat healthy foods, your pets will need to exercise to burn off excess energy and calories. Dogs, in particular, prefer to be physically active for longer periods, whilst cats prefer to demonstrate their agility and talent in shorter bursts. Regular walks and swimming are two things that can be done to keep them physically active and fit.
Feel free to explore new routes when you’re walking them, so they can recognize new sights and smells. Other than that, spend some time with them to see what types of activities they enjoy. Only then will they be able to be active and engaged with you.
Keep in mind that exercise isn’t just for their physical health; it’s also for their mental well-being. You need to realize that doing these activities regularly would provide them with a much-needed brain workout. If your pets do not get enough exercise, they may develop emotional disorders and harmful behaviors.
Bring Them for Annual Check-ups
Never jeopardize your pet’s health by refusing to take them to the vet regularly. It’s best to bring them in at least once every six months to ensure that they are healthy. An annual dental appointment is also recommended to remove plaque and tartar build-up. All of this is crucial because animals do not show pain to their owners; therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry.
As a pet owner, you must report any changes you notice in your pet, no matter how minor they appear to be. Any information you provide will assist the veterinarian in diagnosing any potential illnesses they could experience.
At the clinic, the veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam to look for any abnormalities that may go unnoticed at first glance. Your pets will receive all of the required vaccinations as well to protect them from life-threatening infections and discomfort.
Activate Their Mind
Aside from a healthy diet and regular exercise, your pets require mental stimulation. Allow them to use their minds because if they don’t do so, it can be detrimental to their overall well-being. Dogs, for example, may benefit from toys and puzzle toys to keep them mentally active when you are not there.
On the other hand, cats like to climb and explore their surroundings; thus, cat trees or shelves would be ideal for keeping them comfortable. As much as we want to be around them, we know that’s not possible, so having these toys around their beds or play area will keep them occupied while you’re away.
You are essentially diverting their attention to a different task, preventing them from experiencing separation anxiety. Other than that, feeding time is an excellent time to boost their mental state. What you can do is scatter their food around their shelter and let them find it using their sense of smell.
